An interview with Daramola Oluwasegun
Daramola Oluwasegun is an Undergraduate Researcher in Medical Microbiology at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. In this interview, he tells us more about his research, which focuses on analysing the genomic features of resistant pathogens using comparative genome analysis.
Tell us more about your research.
My research focuses on analysing the genomic features of resistant pathogens using comparative genome analysis. I am a member of an early career bacteriophage research team at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, under the SEAPHAGES-HHMI programme which is focused on isolating, annotating and characterising novel soil-borne bacteriophages relevant to fight against mycobacterium species. We participate in the wet-lab procedures of phage isolation, and the annotation of phage genomes using computational genomics tools.
I am also an intern at Professor Alexander Horswill’s laboratory at the University of Colorado, Anschutz, where we currently work on identifying the anti-infective substance produced by Staphylococcus warneri against Staphylococcus aureus.
I carried out a comparative research study on the genomic and phylogenetic analysis of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) in Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which I presented at the 12th Annual Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium at Rice University, USA.
Why is this research important to microbiology?
These projects advance our scientific knowledge to battle the evident health crisis we face. Phage isolation, by a large set of diverse undergraduates, broadens the database of phages available to the research community to better understand the diversity of mycobacteriophages. Our research at the Horswill laboratory aids in identifying anti-infective substances which could be further explored to tackle Staphylococcus aureus infections, and even result in potential anti-infective drug development.
What qualifications did you obtain before starting this role?
I’m currently a junior undergraduate at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. However, I am able to participate in the stated research, due to my knowledge of computational genomics. Most of my research contributions involve the application of computational genomics tools to bench work analysis. I observe the genome content of interested organisms to give a reliable genomic basis. For instance, I conducted my comparative study using computational genomics to analyse completed genomes.
What is a typical working day for you?
Since my research mainly involves the use of computational genomics tools, I open multiple tabs to online packages and databases, alongside the genomic software I work with. I analyse the specific phage/bacterial genome of interest, and initiate findings on required regions. With a hit, I proceed to create a sequence which would be run across various protein and/or metabolite prediction packages. The feedback guides my subsequent steps. This can further lead to sourcing research papers that better explain my findings, or proceeding to documenting details of findings.
Where did your interest in microbiology come from?
I was always interested in the genetic study of microbes. Microbiology vehicles a theme I’m passionate about: superbugs and antimicrobial resistance. The potential of alternative therapies, such as phage therapy, capable of the fight against multi-drug resistant pathogens increased my interest in becoming a researcher in microbiology.
Why does microbiology matter?
Apart from the evident facts supporting a looming superbug pandemic, and the need to tackle antimicrobial resistance, any significant change intended upon the health care and agricultural sector, would be best accomplished from the grass-root stage. Microbes impact the grass-root scientists need to alter for this significant change. Microbes keep developing resistance, getting smarter, and leaving us with vast puzzles to solve. Microbiology helps us, at peak best, to keep up the pace.
